Compassionate care: New physical therapist is caregiver, teacher, doctor
Staff reporter
Sometimes events in a person's life give a new perspective. Priorities in life sometimes shift and a job no longer comes first.
That's what happened to Michael Jacobs, the new physical therapist director at St. Luke Hospital.
He owned and operated a company in Oregon that contracted services for physical therapists, America's Family Physical Therapy Services.
"We provided services to hospitals, nursing homes, and urgent care centers," Jacobs said.
The corporation had 28 employees who worked at 60 hospitals and nursing homes and seven clinics.
In 1999, Jacob's son Chase, who was 15 at the time, was diagnosed with cancer. Around that time, his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
"I decided at that time to return home (Phillipsburg) and care for my family." Jacobs said.
He worked part-time as a physical therapist and full-time caring for his family.
Chase recovered and is a junior at the University of Kansas. His mother was admitted to a nursing home for long-term care, and Jacobs realized it was time for him to make another change.
"When you go through an experience like this (cancer) with a child, it's difficult to be too far away from them," Jacobs said. He wanted to relocate to a community closer to Lawrence so he could visit his son.
"The hospital contacted my agency because it was looking for a interim physical therapy director and I decided it would be a good thing to try," said Jacobs. He arrived in June.
Jacobs' said his first job was in a 600-bed hospital. However, most of his professional experience since that time was spent in private practice.
"This was going to be a new challenge for me," he said, and has been surprised at the outcome.
"I was really surprised at the variety of patients who come to the hospital," Jacobs said. He assumed there would be cardiac and some orthopedic.
"I am amazed at the amount of orthopedic procedures done in this area," he said, referring to surgeries on hips, knees, shoulders, and backs.
The hospital offered Jacobs a permanent, full-time position and he accepted.
Future plans
Currently, Jacobs is recruiting for more personnel. There are two therapists besides Jacobs working in a crowded area.
"We're getting close to saturation," said Jacobs, especially in the past few months.
"Patient numbers have more than doubled since June," he said. Expansion of services and personnel are needed but he's holding back on plans because of limited space and small staff.
"We have a great staff in the department," Jacobs said. "I am so pleased with the caliber of ability these employees possess."
He also was pleased with the overall abilities of hospital personnel.
Physical therapy staff shortages are common.
"This isn't just a local problem," Jacobs said. "Physical therapy is utilized so much there is a shortage of therapists and assistants."
Recruiting may be easier at this hospital because of the variety of patients, he said.
There's also the misconception of working in a smaller hospital and community. Jacobs sees it as an opportunity.
"I would like to see this department involved with the plans for the new swimming pool," he said. "It could be utilized for therapy which would benefit patients, school district, and hospital."
He also would like to begin a program for high school sports trainers. The students would be trained to assist with athletes. It could become a mentoring type program, to assist students in determining careers.
Credentials
Jacobs was born and raised in Phillipsburg. He began his career as a physical therapist in 1971.
He holds numerous degrees: a bachelor of science (BS) in biological science, Kansas State University; BS in physical therapy, KSU; a certificate of physical therapy; a master's of science in higher education and sports medicine, the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
In 1989, he earned a doctorate in naturopathic medicine, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Oregon.
"It's a four-year med school that uses natural means of treatment," Jacobs said. No drugs or surgeries are used. Instead diet, exercise, and homeopathic medicines are prescribed.
None of this training or his skills are going to be wasted in Marion.
"I use all of these skills from the fields as a physical therapist," said Jacobs. The training is very helpful for alternative treatments.
He added that current medical trends are encouraging doctorate training for physical therapists.
Goals
Besides being a part of planning the new swimming pool and creating a sports medicine program at Marion High School, Jacobs also would like to offer programs that are available in larger hospitals.
They include a biofeedback program for incontinence issues due to childbirth, surgeries, and medical conditions; and treatment for diabetes in teen-agers.
Other forms of rehabilitation will continue and expand as necessary.
When Jacobs first arrived in the area as a contracted employee, he worked Wednesday through Friday and drove home to Phillipsburg on the weekends. During that time, he stayed at a bed and breakfast in Ramona.
He now has moved to an apartment in Marion and plans to purchase a home when his home in Phillipsburg is sold.
Besides son Chase, he has a daughter who is entering nursing school at Colorado State University.
"Being a part of St. Luke Hospital and its current leadership is a unique opportunity for me," Jacobs said. "I can continue to be an entrepreneur of sorts and grow with the hospital. I'll have the opportunity to use all of my skills as teacher and therapist."
